Peter's formula gave me the clue in solving this. His formula will not, in all instances give the correct answer. Eg if G5 is empty and H5 has an "x" it will also give the result as "Plan D", no matter what is in I5. The ammended formula is: =IF(I5="x",IF(AND(G5="x",H5="x"),"Plan A",IF(AND(G5="",H5=""), "Plan C","")),IF(AND(G5="x",H5="x"),"Plan B",IF(AND(G5="",H5="") ,"Plan D",""))) At Neethling Cape town -----Original Message----- Date: Thu, 23 Jan 2003 18:38:23 -0800 From: Peter Shkabara <[log in to unmask]> Subject: Re: help with formula Try this: =IF(AND(G5="x",H5="x",I5="x"),"Plan A",IF(AND(G5="x",H5="x",I5=""),"Plan B",IF(AND(G5="",H5="",I5="x"),"Plan C","Plan D"))) There are other ways to get the same result by rearranging some of the logic, but this is an example of a possible solution. Peter -------------------------------------------------------------------- [log in to unmask] - http://gocolumbia.org/pesh -----Original Message----- Need help. My school has failed to supply me with the instructor's book for my Office 2000 class. I have some students in Advanced Excel 2000 and an assignment calls for a formula for which I just don't have a clue. It goes like this. If cell G5 and H5 and I5 all have an "X" in them, then it should print "Plan A". If cell G5 and H5 (no I5) both have an "x" in them, then print "Plan B". If only I5 has an "X", then print "Plan C". If none have an x, then print "Plan D". the assignment says to use a nested IF function. The "X" is literal, only an X is in the cell. I got somewhere, but it didn't work after it looks at G5. Can anyone help? Byron Wolter ------------------------------ *************** Any views expressed in this message are those of the individual sender, and Sanlam accepts no liability therefore, except where the sender specifically states them to be those of Sanlam. Enige sienswyses of stellings wat in hierdie boodskap uitgedruk word is dié van die individuele afsender, en Sanlam aanvaar geen aanspreeklikheid daarvoor nie, behalwe waar die afsender uitdruklik vermeld dat dit dié van Sanlam is. "Hold No Punches.." Rode brings you great shareware/freeware programs with his honest opinions in this weekly column. http://freepctech.com/rode